When it comes to securing pallets for shipping or storage, stretch wrapping is an essential step to protect your products from damage, dust, and moisture; however, not all stretch wrapping is created the same. Many businesses face the decision of choosing between manual stretch wrapping or making the switch to a semi-automatic stretch wrap machine.
Understanding the benefits of making the switch can help you save time, reduce labor costs, and improve your load stability.
What is a Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrap Machine?
Semi-automatic pallet wrapping machines strike a balance between manual wrapping systems and fully automated wrapping systems.
Manual wrapping involves an employee physically walking around the entire pallet with a roll of stretch film. This labor-intensive approach can lead to inconsistent wrapping, load instability, and an increased risk of workplace injuries.
Fully automated wrappers like our TAB Wrapper Tornado Perfect Storm automate the entire pallet wrapping process—from infeed to discharge. The lift truck operator simply places the pallet load on the built-in conveyor and presses start on the touch-screen HMI. From there, the system takes over: automatically feeding the load, wrapping it 360 degrees around and under in protective stretch film, and discharging the finished pallet—all without manual handling.
Semi-automatic stretch wrap machines, such as the TAB Wrapper Tornado equipped with Smart Controls, find a middle ground between fully manual and fully automated, making it an ideal fit for those with moderate pallet volume looking to decrease wrapping time while also reducing physical strain. The TAB Wrapper Tornado, equipped with Smart Controls, automates critical parts of the wrapping process, such as the stretch film application, all while an operator retains control over loading and unloading each pallet.
What are the TAB Wrapper Smart Controls?
- TAB Wrapper’s Smart Controls enhance the semi-automatic stretch wrap experience by streamlining timely tasks. To begin, the forklift operator raises a pallet load and drives it into the center of the wrapping ring. With the corded or optional wireless remote control in hand, the operator simply presses and releases the start button. The Smart Controls automatically position the film dispensing unit at its home location using a position encoding system, then begin wrapping the pallet 360 degrees around and underneath in protective stretch film.
Then the operator gradually moves the lift truck forward or backward until the load is fully wrapped.
Furthermore, TAB Wrapper’s semi-automatic models can be upgraded with even more automation features as your business grows. With additional accessories, they allow you to choose your desired degree of automation that works best for your operations budget.
When is Semi-Automatic Wrapping the Perfect Choice?
Semi-automatic stretch wrap machines are ideal for small to medium-sized businesses or operations with a moderate pallet volume. If your team is currently spending a significant amount of time manually wrapping pallets and facing inconsistencies, now could be the perfect time to start your search for a semi-automatic solution.
Making the switch can also deliver massive cost savings by reducing labor costs. One of our customers, Saginaw Control & Engineering, saw a savings of over $100,000 in labor costs when switching to the TAB Wrapper.
Our customers have found that these semi-automated solutions offer the perfect balance for their operations, thanks to the machine’s ease of use. By automating your wrapping process, you can avoid injuries, increase your operations throughput, and enhance employee safety.
Why Choose the TAB Wrapper Semi-Automatic Model for Pallet Wrapping?
The TAB Wrapper Smart Controls model delivers:
- Intuitive controls for quick setup and operation
- Sturdy design for industrial environments
- Efficient film usage to minimize waste
- Excellent customer support and service options
Ready to see how much you could save by switching to a semi-automatic stretch wrap machine? Use our ROI calculator to estimate your potential labor savings and efficiency gains.